Learn the Past, Live the Present, Plan the Future

The Newsletter of Temple Torah of West Boynton Beach Nissan 5774 April 2014

Passover is a celebration of freedom and Jewish continuity. It commemorates the struggle of our people as they were redeemed from slavery and established themselves as a free nation.

The Pesah season is not only a time for remembering the liberation of our people from slavery, but it is a time of renewal and growth. The ancient Hebrews were great role models for facing and overcoming adversity and for embracing growth and change even when the challenges seemed insurmountable. We are descendants of a proud and resilient people.

The ancient Hebrew slaves struggled, like so many others in our history, to maintain, defend, and secure a Jewish future for our people. In our time, we too are faced with issues that burden and enslave us, and we too have to find ways to maintain, defend, and secure a Jewish future for our people. In the face of growing assimilation, reduced synagogue affiliation and membership, and a myriad of skyrocketing costs involved in maintaining a synagogue building, many congregations are finding it difficult to perpetuate their cultures and maintain their identity.

Here, at Temple Torah, we have much to be thankful for as we enter the Passover season. Our volunteer base is extraordinary, with many going above and beyond what is asked to produce wonderful events, raise much needed funds, and keep our shul's daily operations flowing smoothly, I thank all of our volunteers from the bottom of my heart, and ask anyone who is able to contribute their time and talent to consider doing so.

Through the years, we have had to make difficult decisions to maintain our congregation. So, too, have our friends at Temple Emeth of Delray Beach. On March 10, 2014, we held a Temple Torah congregational meeting to outline the details of the merger between our two organizations which will result in becoming one synagogue community housed at the present location of Temple Torah. We are now in the process of meeting with Temple Emeth’s leadership to finalize and sign a contract that will be contingent on the approval of Temple Torah's membership.

This merger is a wonderful outcome for our synagogues, as it allows both congregations to secure a Jewish spiritual home for all of their members. The planned name for the new, combined congregation will be Temple Torat Emet, which is the correct grammatical combination of Torah and Emeth, and honors the cultures and histories of the two organizations that are coming together.

You may have already begun to see Temple Emeth members at services and events, and I encourage everyone to extend a warm Temple Torah welcome to our new friends. We will soon be announcing another congregational meeting to vote on the finalized contract, and I hope that you will all do your best to attend.

Finally, no organization like ours can thrive without a supportive office staff. While we are currently in the midst of searching for a new Temple Administrator to complete our office management team, I am proud and happy to announce the newest member of our Temple Torah family, Mrs. Leah Simone. Leah will be handling the responsibilities of our main office's front desk. Please stop by and help us give Leah a warm welcome.

Thank you to all for your continued patience and support as we work hard to enhance the service we provide to our Temple Torah community.

B' Shalom, Lori Temple Torah President

~ Temple Torah Calendar April 2014 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Rosh Hodesh Nisan 7:15 pm: Rosh Hodesh Group

2 7:00 pm: Membership Committee Meeting 7:00 pm: Women’s Intergenerational Seder

3 12:30 pm: Bereavement Group 1:00 pm: Sisterhood Board Meeting 7:00 pm: Men’s Club Board Meeting

4 Foundation Weekend (Dr. Wolfson) 6:00 pm: Shabbat Service 7:20 pm: Candle Lighting 6th-8th Grade Gesher Convention

5 Foundation Weekend (Dr. Wolfson) Parashat M’Tzora 9:00 am: Shabbat Service with ESARS 5th Grade 10:30 am: Junior Congregation 12:15 pm: Minhah 6th-8th Grade Gesher Convention

6 Foundation Weekend (Dr. Wolfson) 6th-8th Grade Gesher Convention

7

8 6:00 pm: Post B’nai Mitzvah Enrichment 7:00 Ritual Committee

9 11:00 am: Passover Workshop (Special Needs) 5:30 pm: ESARS Youth Group Passover Seder 7:00 pm: Fundraising Committee

10 7:00 pm: Adult Ed. Siyum (TSS)

11 6:00 pm: Shabbat Service 7:24 pm: Candle Lighting

12 Parashat Aharei Mot/Shabbat Hagadol 9:00 am: Shabbat Service 10:15 am: Tot Shabbat 10:30 am: Junior Congregation 8:30 pm:Ma’ariv/Havdalah Service

13 No ESARS

14 Erev Passover 8:00 am: Siyum B’kharim, Fast of 1s

Born 6:00 pm: Festival Service (no 5:00 pm) 6:30 pm: 1st Community Seder 7:25 pm: Candle Lighting No JACATT No Torah Tots

15 Passover Day 1 9:00 am: Festival Service (Yizkor) 6:00 pm: Evening Festival Service (no 5:00 pm) 6:30 pm: 2nd Community Seder No JACATT No Torah Tots

16 Passover Day 2 9:00 am: Festival Service 7:30 pm: Festival Minhah & Ma’ariv (no 5:00 pm) No ESARS No JACATT No Torah Tots

17 Hol Hamoed 8:15 am: Daily Minyan (no 8:30 am) 12:30 pm: Sisterhood General Meeting No Torah Tots

18 Hol Hamoed 8:15 am: Daily Minyan (no 8:30 am) 6:00 pm: Shabbat Service 7:27 pm: Candle Lighting No Torah Tots

19 Shabbat Hol Hamoed 9:00 am: Shabbat Service 12:15 pm: Minhah No Torah Tots

20 Hol Hamoed 8:15 am: Daily Minyan (no 8:30 am) 6:30 pm: Evening Festival Service (no 5:00 pm) 7:28 pm: Candle Lighting No ESARS No Torah Tots

21 Passover Day 7 9:00 am: Festival Service 6:30 pm: Evening Festival Service (no 5:00 pm) 8:22 pm: Candle Lighting No JACATT No Torah Tots

22 Passover Day 8 9:00 am: Festival Service (Yizkor) 7:30 pm: Festival Minhah & Ma’ariv (no 5:00 pm) 8:23 pm: Yom Tov ends No JACATT No Torah Tots

23 7:00 pm: Men’s Club Dementia Support Group

24 7:00 pm: Board of Directors

25 9:15 am: Torah Tots PTO Meeting 6:00 pm: Shabbat with a Twist 6:00 pm: Traditional Shabbat Service 7:31 pm: Candle Lighting

26 Parashat K’doshim 9:00 am: Shabbat Service 10:00 am:Shabbat b’Yahad 8:40 pm:Ma’ariv/Havdalah Service

Daily Services Schedule

Sunday-Friday:

8:30 am in the Chapel Sunday-Thursday

5:00 pm in the Chapel Friday evening: 6:00 pm unless

otherwise noted

Saturday morning: 9:00 am

Saturday afternoon: 12:15 pm

~ Temple Torah Calendar April 2014 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 27 10:00 am: Yom Hashoah Commemoration 12:00 pm: Pasta Til’ You Droppa’

28 Yom HaShoah

29 6:00 pm: Post B’nai Mitzvah Enrichment

30 Rosh Hodesh Iyar 6:00 pm: NOAR Lounge Night 6:30 pm: Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Series

IN THIS ISSUE

Adult Education...................................... 20-21 Advertisers ............................................... 33-38 Bereavement Group ............................... 30 Birthright .................................................. 22 Board Briefs ............................................. 4 Calendar ................................................... 2-3 Cantor Mondrow .................................... 5 Contributions .......................................... 28-29 Contacts ................................................... 39 Cruise ........................................................ 13 Daily Services .......................................... 3 Education Director ................................ 16 Fundraising .............................................. 25 Holocaust Learning Center ................... 22 Judaica Shop ............................................ 18 Membership ............................................. 17 Men’s Club ............................................... 23-24 Open Your Heart/Tree of Life ............ 32 Passover ................................................... 7-12 President .................................................. Front Cover Rabbi Bernstein ....................................... 4 Ritual......................................................... 18 Rosh Hodesh Group .............................. 18 Schmooze ................................................ 18 Shabbat b’Yahad ..................................... 20 Sisterhood ................................................ 25-26 Sponsors/Thank You Boxes ................ 31 Shabbat with a Twist .............................. 19 Wiston Family Torah Tots/PTO ......... 14-15 Dr. Ron Wolfson .................................... 6 Yahrzeits .................................................. 30 Youth ........................................................ 14

Our congregants have spoken! Although we introduced in December a

digital version of The Shofar (primarily as a money-saving venture), many of you have told us in no uncertain terms that you prefer the

print edition. Therefore, beginning with this issue, we are instituting a new policy – approved by the Temple leadership – with respect to

publication of The Shofar. We will publish four full print editions a year – based on the major holidays – supplemented by leaner newsletters in the intervening months. We will continue to produce the digital version

on the Temple webpage. In this way, there will be “something for everyone.”

4

Shalom Rav Rabbi Edward C. Bernstein

We read in the Haggadah on Passover night, “Every person is obligated to see him or herself as having gone forth from Egypt.” The idea that we personally were

slaves emphasizes the importance in our tradition of helping those in need. There is further symbolism in the Seder that directs our attention towards this goal. At the beginning of the Seder, we uncover the matzah and say, “Ha lachma anya—This is the bread of affliction that our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt.” We remind ourselves of our own experience with poverty and affliction so that we may be sensitive to those in need in our own day and reach out to them. Finally, the act of spilling wine from our glasses during the recitation of the 10 plagues is another important symbol. It reminds us that even as all people are responsible for their actions and may suffer consequences when they behave wrongly, all people are God’s creatures. We may not rejoice over anyone’s suffering. Prior to Passover, it is traditional to fulfill a mitzvah called maot chitin, or “money for wheat.” It is a financial gift we make to people in need prior to Passover to ensure that there is not a single person in our community who cannot afford matzah, wine, and other food for Passover. Traditionally, we make the gift of Maot Chittin at the time that we sell our Hametz (leavened products) I would like to emphasize the importance of this Maot Chittin. Precisely at the time that we are concerned about our own kitchens being kosher for Passover, we show concern for others in our community who might not have food in their kitchens. Therefore, I urge you to fulfill two mitzvot in preparation for Passover: (1) complete and submit to me a contract indicating your sale of hametz, helping to fulfill the principle not to be in possession of hametz during the Passover holiday (see form enclosed in this issue), and (2) make a generous contribution to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund for the purpose of Maot Chitin. The funds raised through Maot Chitin are one of the most significant sources of revenue for the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund. Through this fund, I am able to

support a number of worthy causes in our community, such as the Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Mazon, and local food pantries. In addition, individuals in our community facing acute and immediate needs sometimes turn to me for help, which I am able to offer through this fund. My ability to help these causes throughout the year depends in part on your contributions to Maot Chitin. So, as we prepare to eat lechem oni, the bread of affliction, let us also remember the mitzvah of helping those in need at this time of year. Have a Joyous Passover!

Board of Directors Meeting, March 12, 2014

Rabbi Bernstein has had productive meetings with Rabbi Zelemeyer of Temple Emeth and has established a good relationship. They are looking forward to working together as the two synagogue communities merge and become one. The time of the Friday night Shabbat service has been changed to 6:00 pm. The hope is that this new, earlier time will enable more congregants to join together for short, joyful Kabbalat Shabbat prayers and then go to each others’ homes for Shabbat dinner. Enrollment is increasing at Temple Torah’s Wiston Family Torah Tots! Sheri Ebert is doing wonderfully as Interim Director and will enroll in courses for Director. Naeyc re-accreditation will be taking place soon. Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, May 22 for a concert at Temple Torah featuring our own Cantor Zachary Mondrow and four other cantors.

Board Briefs

5

Notes from Cantor Zachary Mondrow

There are many, varied Seder traditions, especially with respect to the afikoman. In some Sephardi communities, the Seder leader attempts to break the middle matzah into the shape of letters. Syrians break the matzah in the shape of the Hebrew letters dalet and vav. Maghreban break it to form the two components of the Hebrew letter hey. (Note: hiding and stealing the afikoman is an Ashkenazi, not a Sephardi tradition. Re-enacting the Exodus: A pervasive custom throughout the Sephardi communities is to dramatize the Exodus. Generally, this takes place immediately following Yachatz, the breaking of the middle matzah, or after Ha Lachma Anya, the first paragraph of the Maggid section. The basic script for this dramatization is as follows: Person holding the afikoman: “Their remaining possessions tied up in their bags on their shoulders and the children of Israel did as Moses commanded.” Other Seder Participants: “From where are you coming?” Afikoman Holder: “From Egypt.” Participants: “Where are you going to?” Afikoman Holder: “To Jerusalem.” Participants: “What are your supplies?” Afikoman Holder: “Matzah and Maror.” This ceremony varies not only as to when it is said, but who says it (sometimes only the leader, sometimes one child gets up and knocks on the door before the dialogue begins, and sometimes each participant of the Seder holds the afikoman in turn), and how the afikoman is wrapped and held, whether in a napkin or a bag, held on the right shoulder or thrown over the shoulder. Re-enacting the Exodus – a second version: In the Yemenite community, the Seder leader rises, throws the afikoman bag over his shoulder like a knapsack and circles the table while leaning on a cane. As he walks about the room, the leader tells the other participants about his experiences and the miracles he witnessed as he came from Egypt. At my personal Seders, it is not uncommon to have tiny plastic flipping frogs, or for me to get pelted with cotton balls for hail. Whatever your Passover traditions, I hope these other traditions can help enrich your Seders this year and for years to come. A zisn and kasher Pesah to all!

Friday night: Services at 6 PM, Shabbat Dinner at 7 PM Members $30 Non-Members $35 - All children 10 and under $12 Dinner topic: "Building Good Tents: Envisioning the Synagogue of the Future" Saturday morning services at 9 AM, D'var Torah: "The Spirituality of Welcoming" Kiddush Luncheon & Discussion following Services: "The Seven Questions You're Asked in Heaven" Saturday at 7 PM for Temple Torah members only: "Building a Relational Community" Workshops 8:15 PM Havdalah, Saturday night leadership workshop continues 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Dessert – coffee-tea Sunday morning: Breakfast at 9 AM, Temple Members - $5, Non-Members $8 "Beyond Maxwell House: How to Have the Best Seder...Ever! RSVP with form at bottom by April 2, for all paid events. Temple Torah 8600 Jog Road Boynton Beach, FL 33472

561-369-1112 www.ttwbb.org www.facebook.com/TempleTorah

Traditional Friday Night Shabbat Dinner, April 4, 7:00 pm _____ Members @ $30.00 per person $_________ _____ Non-Members @ $35.00 per person $_________ _____ Children (10 and under) @ $12.00 per child $_________ Dinner Total $_______________ Sunday Breakfast, April 6, 9:00 am _____ Members @ $5.00 per person $______________ Non-Members @ $8.00 per person $_________ Total $_______________ Name Phone/E-Mail Person completing form Address I am paying by: Check ● Credit Card● (complete below) Name on Credit Card _____________________________________ Credit Card Number________-________-________-________ Expiration Date ________________

Please complete the form below and submit with payment (check payable to Temple Torah Foundation) or complete credit card information below or pay on our website (www.ttwbb.org). Deadline extended to Wednesday, April 2.

The Temple Torah Foundation is pleased to present:

Dr. Ron Wolfson "It's All About Relationships!"

Friday, April 4th-Sunday, April 6th 2014

Keep the Flame alive: Consider a planned gift to the Temple Torah Foundation. For more information, visit www.templetorahfoundation.org

You are cordially invited to celebrate Passover with us at a meaningful and enriching Seder. Monday, April 14

Services promptly at 6:00 pm ∞ Seder seating at 6:30 pm Led by Rabbi Edward C. Bernstein and Cantor Zachary M. Mondrow

******************************************* Tuesday, April 15

Services promptly at 6:00 pm Seder seating at 6:30 pm led by Rabbi Alan Cohen

Tradi onal Seder Catered by Diamond Kosher Catering. Limited sea ng. Reserva on form must be received by Thursday, April 3, 2014. There will be no excep ons.

For addi onal informa on, please call the Temple office at 561‐369‐1112.

I/We will attend on Monday, April 14: _____ I/We will attend on Tuesday, April 15: _____

Total number of people attending:

Total Cost:

Member-$58 Non-Member-$68 Child under 12-$25

$ $ $

$ $ $

$ $ $

Please print clearly: All names of those attending. If a child, please indicate age and sex.

Chicken 4/14 4/15

Brisket 4/14 4/15

Fish 4/14 4/15

Vegetarian 4/14 4/15

Sugar Free Dessert Needed

No Phone Reserva-

tions. Send this form and your credit card information or check payable to: Temple Torah, 8600 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33472

Name: ________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________

City: ________________________________________ State:____________ Zip:_______________________

Phone:_________________________ Email:____________________________________________________

Payment (Check One): Check: ___________ Credit Card: MasterCard _____ VISA _____ Discover_____ AMEX _____

Name on credit card: _________________________________________

Credit card number: ___________‐____________‐______________‐______________

Expiration date: ______________________

We would like to meet new people! Please seat us with:

Temple Torah of West Boynton Beach Passover Seders 2014 Reservation Form

Entrée Selection (check one)

PESAH GUIDE 2014 “ Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days and there shall be no leavened bread or leavening seen with you, in all of your borders.” (Exodus: 13:7) The following guide to kashrut will assist you in preparing your family and home for Pesah. Prohibited foods: Leavened bread, cakes, biscuits, crackers, cereal, coffees containing cereal derivatives, wheat, barley, oats, spelt, rye, and all liquids containing ingredients or flavors made from grain alcohol. Most Ashkenazic authorities have added the following foods (kitniot) to the above list: rice, corn, millet, legumes (beans and peas; however, string beans are permitted). Peanut oil is permissible as peanuts are not actually legumes. Most Askenazic authorities forbid the use of legumes in a form other than their natural state, for example, corn sweeteners, corn oil, and soy oil. Sephardic authorities permit the use of all of the above. All products require a kosher l’Pesah label. Consult Rabbi Bernstein for guidance in the use of these products. Permitted Foods: A. The following foods require no kosher l’Pesah label if purchased prior to Pesah: unopened packages or containers of natural coffee without cereal additives (coffees produced by General Foods are not kosher for Passover unless marked KP); sugar, pure tea (not herbal tea), salt (not iodized), pepper, natural spices, frozen fruit juices with no additives, frozen (uncooked) vegetables (for legumes see above), milk, butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ripened cheeses such as cheddar (hard), muenster (semi-soft) and Camembert (soft), frozen (uncooked) fruit (with no additives), and baking soda. B. The following foods require no kosher l‘Pesah label if purchased before or during Pesah: Fresh fruits and vegetables (for legumes see above), eggs, fresh fish, and fresh meat. C. The following foods require a kosher l‘Pesah label if purchased before or during Pesah: All baked products (matzah, cakes, matzah flour, farfel, matzah meal, and any products containing matzah), canned or bottled fruit juices (these juices are often clarified with kitniot which are not listed among the ingredients; however, if one knows there are no such agents, the juice may be purchased prior to Pesah without a kosher l‘Pesah label); canned tuna (since tuna, even when packed in water, has often been processed in vegetable broth and/or hydrolyzed protein; however, if it is known that the tuna is packed exclusively in water, without any additional ingredients or additives, it may be purchased without a kosher l‘Pesah label); wine; vinegar; liquor; oils; dried fruits; candy; chocolate flavored milk; ice cream, yogurt and soda. D. The following processed foods (canned, bottled or frozen), require a kosher l‘Pesah label if purchased during Pesah: milk, butter, juices, vegetables, fruit, milk products, spices, coffee, tea, and fish, as well as all foods listed in category C. Detergents: If permitted during the year, powdered and liquid detergents do not require a kosher l‘Pesah label. Medicine: Since hametz binders are used in many pills, the following guidelines should be followed: If the medicine is required for life sustaining therapy, some authorities permit, while others prohibit. Consult Rabbi Bernstein. In all cases, capsules are preferable to pills.

Kashering of Utensils: The process of kashering depends on how the utensils are used. According to halakhah, leaven can be purged from a utensil by the same process in which it was absorbed in the utensil (ke-volokakh pol-to). Therefore, utensils used in cooking are kashered by boiling, those used in broiling are kashered by fire and heat, and those used only for cold food are kashered by rinsing.

A. Earthenware (china, pottery, etc.) may not be kashered. However, fine translucent chinaware which has not been used for over a year may be used if scoured and cleaned in hot water.

B. Metal Utensils used in Fire (spit, broiler) must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned and then made as hot as possible. Those used for cooking or eating (silverware, pots) must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned and completely immersed in boiling water. Pots should have water boiled in them which will overflow the rim. Pots should not be used for a period of at least 24 hours between the cleaning and the immersion in boiling water. Metal baking units cannot be kashered.

C. Ovens and Ranges: Every part that comes in contact with food must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned. Then, oven and range should be heated as hot as possible for a half hour. If there is a broil setting, use it. Self-cleaning ovens should be cleaned and scrubbed and then put through the self-cleaning cycle. Continuous cleaning ovens must be kashered in the same manner as regular ovens. Microwave Ovens: Should be cleaned, and then a cup of water should be placed inside. Then the oven should be turned on until the water disappears. A microwave oven that has a browning element cannot be kashered for Pesah. D. Glassware: Authorities disagree as to the method for kashering drinking utensils. One opinion requires soaking in water for three days, changing the water every 24 hours. The other opinion requires only a thorough scrubbing before Pesah, or putting them through a dishwasher. Glass Cookware: There is a difference of opinion as to whether it is to be kashered. After a thorough cleansing, there should be water boiled in them which will overflow the rim. The other opinion is that only a thorough cleansing is required. Glass bakeware, like metal bakeware, may not be kashered. E. Dishwasher: After not using the machine for a period of 24 hours, a full cycle with detergent should be run F. Electrical Appliances. If the parts that come into contact with hametz are removable, they can be kashered in the appropriate way (if metal, follow the rules for metal utensils).If the parts are not removable, the appliance cannot be kashered. (All exposed parts should be thoroughly cleaned.) G. Tables, Closets, and Counters: If used with hametz, they should be thoroughly cleaned and covered, and then they may be used. H. Kitchen Sink: A metal sink can be kashered by thoroughly cleaning and then pouring boiling water over it. A porcelain sink should be cleaned and a sink rack used. If, however, dishes are to be soaked in a porcelain sink, a dish basin must be used. I . Hametz and non-Passover Utensils: Non-Passover dishes, pots and hametz whose ownership has been transferred, should be separated, locked up or covered, and marked in order to prevent accidental use. Mehirat Hametz- Selling Hametz The Torah prohibits the ownership of hametz (leaven) during Pesah. Therefore, we arrange for the sale of the hametz to a non-Jew. The transfer, mehirat hametz, is accomplished by appointing an agent, in our case Rabbi Bernstein, to handle the sale (see enclosed power of attorney form). It is a valid and legal transfer of ownership. At the end of the holiday, the agent arranges for the reversion of ownership of the now-permitted hametz. If ownership of the hametz was not transferred before the holiday, the use of this hametz is prohibited after the holiday as well (hametz she-avaralav ha-Pesah,). Bedikat Hametz-The Search for Hametz This year, the search for the hametz, traditionally conducted the evening before the first Seder, should be conducted on Sunday, April 13, 2014. Using a candle, feather, and wooden spoon, we search for hametz in our homes. To make sure that the search is successful, several pieces of bread are scattered throughout various parts of the house by an adult to be collected by the children during the search. Before the actual search begins, light the candle and recite the blessing:

Baruch atah Adonai elohaynu Melech ha’olam asher kidshanu Bemitzvotav vetzivanu al bi’ur hametz.

Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has made us holy with mitzvot and instructed us to remove the leaven.

After all of the hametz has been gathered and placed into a bag, recite the following in Aramaic: KoI Chamira vechamiya de’ika Virshuti dela chametay u’dela vay’artei udela yadana lay libatayl v’lehevay hefker ke’ afra de’ ara.

Any leaven that may still be in the house, which I have not seen or have not removed, shall be as if it does not exist, and as the dust of the earth.

Bi-Ur Hametz- Burning the Leaven On Monday, April 14, 2014, by 10:30 am, take all the leaven still remaining in the house together with the leaven collected during the search the previous night and burn it. When the leaven is burned, one may recite the following: Kol chamira vachamiya de’ika birshuti (dechamitay u’dela chamitay devayartay u’dela veartay libatayl) v’lehavay hefker ke’afra de’ara.

Any leaven that may still be in the house (which I have seen and not seen, which I have or have not removed) shall be as if it does not exist, and as the dust of the earth.

On the eve before Pesah, Rabbi Israel of Rizhin explained the rules of the search after leavened crumbs in the following manner: “This evening we search after hametz, but we do not burn it before tomorrow. The search and the burning are allegories of things to come. Galut is the night of exile during which we allow the hametz: the meaner qualities of our people) to remain in the house. But when the morning of our redemption comes, those qualities are cast into the fire of our return, and completely consumed. Then the words of Isaiah will be fulfilled: ‘He will destroy death forever. Adonai will wipe the tears away from all faces”’ (Isaiah25:8) Siyum B’chorim on Monday, April 14, 2014 It is a tradition for the first-born (usually the first-born of the mother) to fast on the day before Passover, in commemoration of the episode described in the Torah when “ the Lord slew all the first-born in Egypt but…spared the first-born of the Israelites.” In most congregations, including our own, it is customary to have a siyum—a celebration upon concluding the study of the tractate of the Talmud—following the morning service on the day preceding Passover. First-born who are present at this siyum need not observe the fast. All first-born sons and daughters are invited to participate in the traditional siyum on Monday, April 14, following the morning service, which begins at 8:00 am. It will include a brief study session to be followed by a breakfast. The central event of Passover, Monday, April 14, is the Seder. The complete Seder setting should include the following: The Seder Plate ROASTED SHANK BONE (Z’roa): to commemorate the Paschal sacrifice which our ancestors brought to the Temple on Pesah in ancient times. ROASTED EGG (Beitsa): symbolic of life; the egg is also the symbol of our faith in the future, our hope that God’s blessing of life and peace will come to all men. BITTER HERBS (Maror): to symbolize the bitterness of Israel’s bondage in Egypt. (Horseradish is usually used). HAROSET: to symbolize the mortar which the Israelites used in building treasure cities for Pharoah. The Haroset is a mixture of grated apples, nuts, cinnamon, and a little wine. GREEN HERBS (Karpas): (Parsley, lettuce or watercress.) These greens symbolize the coming of Spring and suggest the perpetual renewal of life; hence, the ever-sustaining hope of human redemption. Symbols THE THREE MATZOT: are placed separately in a special Matzah cover, or in the folds of an ordinary napkin. The three Matzot represent the Kohen, Levi, and Israelite. AFIKOMEN: the middle Matzah is broken in two. One portion is wrapped in a napkin and hidden until the meal has been concluded. This portion is known as Afikomen, the Greek word meaning dessert. In Temple days, the meal ended with the taste of the Paschal lamb. Today, in its absence, we substitute the Matzah. The custom of hiding the Afikomen has developed out of a desire to keep children alert until the conclusion of the Seder. SALT WATER: to symbolize the tears of bondage and the hardships of slavery.

FOUR CUPS OF WINE: to be drunk during the Seder service. These four cups symbolize the fourfold promise of redemption which, according to the Bible, God pledged to Israel. THE CUP OF ELIJAH: the celebration of the redemption of Israel would be incomplete without symbolic representation of Israel’s imperishable hope of the greater redemption of the future. Our tradition pictures Elijah as the herald of the great Messianic era, when all humanity will enjoy freedom and peace, and God will reign over all. Hence, a cup is kept ready on the table at the Seder, in anticipation of his coming. We open the door of our homes during the Seder, indicating our eagerness for his coming and also as a symbol of hospitality. Order of the Seder Service The Seder is actually a dramatic family lesson, the purpose of which is to teach and interpret the historical epic of the Exodus. One may discuss the theme of freedom as it applies to our day. Divide the reading sections of the Haggadah among individual participants. Special attention should be given to the children. The Seder consists of separate sections. Each is a highlight in the drama of freedom. The Seder Sections 1. The Kiddush is chanted by all. 2. Ritual washing of hands by the leader. 3. Blessing over parsley dipped in salt water. 4. Breaking middle matzah and hiding half as the Afikomen. 5. Reading and chanting of prayers and hymns in the Haggadah. 6. Ritual washing of hands by all. 7. Blessing over the matzah by all. 8. Blessing over the bitter herbs together with the matzah. 9. Eating bitter herbs together with matzah. 10. Enjoying the Pesah meal. 11. Afikomen is distributed to all, concluding the meal. 12. Grace after the meal. 13. Hallel: psalms of praise and gratitude. 14. Concluding Seder hymns. Consult Rabbi Bernstein well before the date regarding any problem that confronts you in connection with Pesah. Some Seder Suggestions The Passover Seder is probably the most meaningful of all observances in the Jewish calendar year. It has been designed as a masterpiece of pedagogic method to interest the young, to maintain their enthusiasm, and to teach important lessons. In order to get the most out of the Seder, a number of things should be kept in mind. 1. Be sure that there is a Haggadah for each participant in the Seder. 2. The leader of the Seder should study the Haggadah in advance and decide upon questions and stories which he/she might want to use at various points in order to awaken interest. 3. The reading of the Haggadah should be rotated among the people around the Seder table 4. Recite all blessings in unison so that everyone feels a part of the ceremony. 5. Do not be afraid to interrupt in the middle of a reading to ask a question, to make a point, or to launch a discussion. Whenever possible, try to relate the historical passages to modern events. 6. Children or adults can be given assignments in advance. 7. Do not let the hunt for the Afikomen transcend the importance of the Seder itself. The “ thief” should be rewarded with a prize of Jewish significance and the Seder completed. Information in this guide is based upon the Rabbinical Assembly Pesah Guide (issued annually).

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Delegation of Power of Attorney Note: If possible, all hametz - food not acceptable during Pesah (Passover), or materials containing such unacceptable food – should be destroyed or given away before the holiday begins. Should this be impossible, the hametz may be stored in such a way that we are sure not to use it during the holiday and its actual ownership is transferred to a non-Jew until the holiday ends.

Please complete the form below and return no later than Monday morning, April 14, at 9:30 am.

KNOW ALL PEOPLE BY THESE PRESENTS: That I, the undersigned, do hereby make and appoint Rabbi Edward C. Bernstein my true and lawful representative to act in my place and stead, for me and in my name and in my behalf, to sell all hametz owned and possessed by me, knowingly or unknowingly, as stated in the Torah and defined by the sages of Israel (e.g. hametz; hashash hametz – suspect hametz; and all kinds of ta’arovet hametz – hametz mixtures); also, hametz that tends to harden and to adhere to the surface of pans, pots, or other cooking or eating utensils, of whatsoever nature, and to lease all places wherein the aforementioned hametz owned or possessed by me may be found, especially in the premises located at (your address) ..

Rabbi Edward C. Bernstein has the full power and authority to sell said hametz and to lease said place or places wherein said hametz may be found, upon terms and conditions as discretion dictates. Rabbi Edward C. Bernstein has the full power and authority to assign or appoint a substitute or substitutes to act in my behalf with all the same powers and authority that I have invested in the rabbi, and I do hereby ratify and confirm all that Rabbi Bernstein or a rabbinic substitute lawfully does or causes to be done by virtue of these presents.

And to this I hereby affix my signature on this _____ day of ___________________in the year 5774/2014.

Signature________________________________________________

Address________________________________City_______________

(I have been authorized by the following person(s) to sell Hametz on their behalf for the following address(es):

Enclosed is a donation in the amount of $_______________ for a contribution to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, to assist in charitable work on behalf of the synagogue and its members, and in the community.

Questions? Sarah Sandler, Cruise Chairperson: 734-9251 Malka Benoff, Fundraising Chairperson: 561-733-7963

APRIL 15

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This month, we are learning about the holiday of Passover. I am certain that all of our Torah Tot students will be able to actively participate in their Seders this year. The story has been read over and over to them. Their teachers are using puppets and songs to act out the story for their students. In each classroom, the children are preparing for our Passover Exodus on April 11. Each classroom was assigned a plague to represent at the Seder. We walk the desert, through the Sea of Reeds, and enjoy a group Seder in the ballroom in freedom. Miss Beth and Cantor Zach tell the story through song, as Rabbi blesses the children. As much as we enjoy learning and celebrating Passover together, we, at Wiston Family Torah Tots, wish you all a Happy Pesah with your own family and friends!

Wiston Family Torah Tots PTO

We are always busy with the PTO activities for the children of Torah Tots. In the past month, we had a lovely time at the Daddy and Daughter Dance, the school Purim

Carnival, and Temple Torah’s Purim Carnival. A fun time was had by all! Believe it or not, we are already hard at work planning Preschool graduation! Up next, however, is the annual Spring Concert on May 4 put on by our adorable 2’s and 3’s classes. This year the theme is an old favorite, The Beatles! Who doesn’t love the Beatles, and even better, hearing a 2-year-old sing their songs?! We can’t wait for this event, as it’s our second big fundraiser of the year. With what we raise, we hope to make some additions to the playground to continue to keep our school at the top of parents’ lists when on the Preschool hunt. Last but certainly not least, from the Wiston Family Torah Tots PTO to all of the members of Temple Torah, we wish you a most wonderful Passover to be spent with family and friends. Enjoy!

Youth Activities Blake Cohen/Sharona Klein,

Co-Youth Directors

Upcoming Events Dear Temple Torah congregants:

These past few months have been very exciting for the Temple Torah youth groups. We had lounge activities for both Noar and Kadima, which included fun games and lots of yummy food. Some of our Kadima children attended late night bowling at Strikes in Boca Raton. We had a blast interacting with other USY members. The highlight of this past month was a trip to the Magic Kingdom, when we met at 6:30 am to be picked up by the bus with other chapters from Miami and Coral Springs. We all had such a great time seeing friends throughout the park and enjoying the rides. Some upcoming events include a lounge night for Noar on April 30 from 6:45-7:45 pm. This event will be held in the indoor playroom, where we will play games and eat. We will also be having a Seder with both Noar and Kadima. We will inform the families of the time and place when it gets closer to the event. We look forward to having continued fun with our youth groups! Shalom,

Blake and Sharona

****************************************

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Series is for all Sixth Graders and their families. It will meet at the following times:

• Wednesday, April 30, 6:30-7:45 pm • Friday, May 9:

6:00 pm Service with presentation of Mitzvah projects 7:00 pm Dinner Siyum (completion)

Wiston Family Torah Tots Early Childhood Learning Center

Sheri Ebert, Interim Early Childhood Director

Water play will be a cooling

experience along our

journey. Monday through

Thursday your child will

splash through the

sprinklers with friends.

Temple Torah of West Boynton Beach 8600 Jog Road Boynton Beach, FL 33472 561-572-2381

June 16 – August 15, 2014

Choose from 4, 6, 8 or all 9

weeks!

Jewish Pride!

Shabbat and Havdalah

celebrated each week.

Week 1 – It’s a Zoo in here June 16th – Waterslide June 20th – Reptile show Week 2 – It’s a Zoo in here June 23rd – Alligator slip and slide

June 25th – Animal kingdom playground

Week 3 – Imagination – Dream Big June 30th - Waterslide July 2nd – Bubble Man Week 4 – Imagination – Dream Big July 7th – Waterslide July 9th – Magician

SPECIALS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!!

Week 5 – Pirates’ Adventures July 16th – Pirate bounce house/waterslide

Week 6 – Pirates’ Adventures July 23rd – Waterslide July 25th – Pirate Party Week7 – Nutty for Nature July 28th – Alligator slip and slide July 30th – Weird Science Show Show Week 8 – Nutty for Nature August 4th – Waterslide August 6th – Insect Show Week 9 – Fantastic Finale August 11th – Waterslide August 15th – DJ Party

Soccer Shots

Every Monday!!

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Pesah and Experiential Education

Pesah has the most universal appeal of all the Jewish holidays. The theme lends itself in such a way that each one of us can celebrate the festival of freedom and the birth of a Jewish nation in a slightly different manner. The unifying force, though, is the Haggadah. Did you know that the Haggadah, as we know it, was compiled during the 7th and 8th centuries? The oldest version appears in the prayer book of Saadia Ha-Gaon in the 10th century. During the 13th and 14th centuries, illustrated Haggadot became popular as each community designed its Haggadah in its own style. Similarly, songs and poems have since been added, although the basis of the Haggadah remains that compiled by the “Men of the Great Assembly.” The Haggadah has been translated into many languages to make sure we understand the text. Its intent is one of general direction, with the aim of talking, discussing, and debating. So what about Pesah and Jewish education? Education means innovation, inquiries, and fun, and on Pesah, the education of children has an important place. Jewish adults are commanded to retell the story of our people and the purpose of the deliverance from Egypt to our children, as it is written in the book of Exodus (13:18) : “And you shall tell your son on that day, because of this God did for me when I left Egypt.” The focus, here, is on the re-enactment and experience of the original historical and spiritual occurrence that can be observed to be experiential education which is essential to informal Jewish education. Pesah should serve as a guide to experiential Jewish education, since the fundamental of experiential Jewish education is contained in its observances. As noted, we are told to inform our children of the holiday even if they do not ask. A father should teach his son according to the son’s ability to comprehend. This is differentiated education at its best; all is taught according to the child’s intellect. The changes noted during the Seder should inspire children to ask: Why is this night different from all other nights? We need to not only to keep children awake but, in fact, to engage them and thus allow them to participate in the educational process. When we read that in each and every generation a person must present himself as if he, himself, has now left the slavery of Egypt, we engage in the ultimate achievement of an educational program. That is the essence of experiential education. Informal experiential education seizes every context and resource as a potential educational opportunity. In this case, even the dining of the evening can and should be used to achieve the educational goals of the Seder. Wishing you and yours Chag Pesah Sameah – Happy Passover!

Esther and Simon Adler Religious School Judaic Academic Center at Temple Torah

Estee Gold-Kaplan

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Membership Committee

Anna Jacobs, Carole Lefton, Barbara Wiston, Co-Chairs

Welcome one and all to the Membership Committee The strength of the Temple is each individual member...the strength of each member is being part of our Temple. We can each do so much more TOGETHER. Please check our website page, Membership Becomes You! at www.ttwbb.org, for the latest information on Membership. As in years past, we invite all Temple members to join the Membership Committee. We meet at Temple Torah on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm, in the Sanctuary. Our next meetings are April 2 and May 7. We have a great announcement! Anna Jacobs, Temple Torah’s Volunteer Coordinator, will be joining us as a co-chair of Membership. As co-chairs, Anna, Carole Lefton, and Barbara Wiston will be working to find out what Temple Torah can do for you. Please let us know. There is a Membership box in the Temple office. Just drop us a note.

Welcome NeW cIRcle oF FRIeNDS membeRS

Barbara and Paul Schwartz

Gary Dalin presents the round trip Jet Blue voucher (for two people) to Ellen Schafer of Wellington, Florida. With her are Ellen and Herschel Berris,

Temple Torah members and employees of Jet Blue. Ellen and Herschel were responsible for obtaining 4 different round-trip Jet Blue vouchers for our

Temple.

You still have a chance to win Jet Blue round-trip tickets.

Stay tuned for additional information!

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Ritual Committee

We are pleased to announce that our Purim celebration was a huge success. The Megillah readings, carnival and, then, the Shalah Manot gift bags, made for a very joyous holiday. Our heartfelt thanks to all who participated. Our early (6:00 pm) Friday night services are being well received. This is a wonderful way to usher in Shabbat with your Temple Torah family, with song and prayer as a community. This early start allows us to then enjoy dinner with friends and family. With Purim behind us, we are all eagerly looking forward to the Passover holiday. We will be having two Seders, with the first being led by Rabbi Bernstein and Cantor Mondrow, and the second being led by Rabbi Alan Cohen. Download the flyer from our website or pick one up in our Temple lobby. Special thanks to Helen and Herb Gold for undertaking this project. Looking ahead, we will be starting our plans for the High Holiday services. Feel free to contact us if you have any suggestions or would like to participate. Cheri F. Deutch Harold Zipkowitz Co-Chairs

Judaica Shop Andrea Olkin

GIFT SHOP NEWS

We wish everyone a very Happy Passover. This month, we are having a 10% off Sale on all Seder plates. We have a wonderful selection of Passover items for children and gift-giving. Plan a visit to the Judaica Shop for all your holiday needs.

Temple Torah Rosh Hodesh Group Next Celebration: Nisan – Tuesday, April 1 7:15 pm in the Chapel Questions: Contact Jan Courte at 561-459-6295 or jancourte@bellsouth.net

If you would like to attend the April schmooze (Date TBD),

call Shirley Oltchick at 561-369-0351 or

Hope Saltzman at 561-642-1187

Schmooze with Rabbi and Cantor

SHABBAT WITH A TWIST

Shabbat With A Twist will be held Friday, April 25 at the

new time of 6:00 pm. Come join us for a musical family Shabbat service!

The next Committee Meeting will be held at the synagogue on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00 pm. to discuss Religious School

children’s participation and Shabbat With A Twist T-Shirts for those children.

Contact Debbie Dalin (561-637-1611).

Adult Education

Co-Chairs: Alan Schoen and Marlene Magness, Temple Torah Miriam Schaffer, Temple Shaarei Shalom

The Adult Education program for the 2013-2014 year is virtually over, and the collaboration with Temple Shaarei Shalom has been a great success for the second year in a row. Our association with them will continue indefinitely. The following classes will be held in April:

Title Date/Time Teacher Location Introduction to Talmud Tue, Apr 1, 8, 10:30 am

Mon, Apr 14, Erev Pesah, Siyum (Completion), 8:00 am

Rabbi Edward Bernstein TT

History of the Holy Land Tue, Apr 1, 8, 1:30 pm Richard Townes TSS The Book of Numbers (Bamidbar)

Tue, Apr 1, 8, 2:30 pm Fran Townes TSS

In addition, by popular demand, Rabbi Bernstein’s Introduction to Talmud Class will resume after Pesah (with Tractate Berakhot, Chapter 6) at Temple Torah on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 am. Classes will be held on April 29 and May 6, 20, and 27 (no class on May 13). We will be holding an Adult Education Siyum for the completion of the current Adult Education session as indicated in the flyer in this edition of The Shofar; it’s open to all and free of charge (not to be confused with the Siyum B’kharim on Erev Pesah). An evaluation form will be provided at the Siyum. You may also direct any comments/impressions you have about the Adult Education classes and/or lectures to Alan Schoen at spmagmavin@aol.com, Marlene Magness at marherb@bellsouth.net, or Miriam Schaffer at mschaffer@templeshaareishalom.com. We would like to thank all of our participants, teachers, and lecturers for making the Adult Education program such a success.

Shabbat b’Yahad Family Service

Shabbat b’Yahad, an interactive Shabbat morning family service, will be held in the Wasley Chapel on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Families with children of all ages are invited to participate in this monthly service that includes lively singing, explanations of the prayers, creative interpretation of the Torah portion, and so much more, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Rabbi Bernstein will be facilitating this Shabbat b’Yahad. The service will end as we join the rest of the congregation in the David M. Adler sanctuary for the conclusion of services and Kiddush.

SIYUM Concluding Program & Celebration of our

Adult Education Collaboration  

Cantor Riselle Bain and Cantor Zachary Mondrow present

Songs of Jewish Composers

Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 7:00pm at Temple Shaarei Shalom

We will honor all of the Adult Education Participating Teachers

There is no fee for this session.

Temple Torah: 8600 Jog Rd., Boynton Beach, FL 33472, (561) 369-1112, www.ttwbb.org Temple Shaarei Shalom, 9085 Hagen Ranch Rd., Boynton Beach, FL 33472, (561) 364-9054,

www.templeshaareishalom.com

22

Holocaust Learning Center

The Destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto: April 1943*

On July 22, 1942, the SS, on orders from Heinrich Himmler, began a massive “resettlement” of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto. They were actually taken to nearby concentration camps (mainly Treblinka), where they were gassed. In just two months, a total of 310,000 Jews were sent to Nazi extermination camps. By the end of September 1942, only 60,000 Jews remained in the Ghetto. In January 1943, Himmler ordered the SS to remove the remaining Jews from the Ghetto by February 15. However, by that time, the Jews in the Ghetto knew that “resettlement” meant certain death and chose to resist. A Jewish Fighting Organization was formed consisting of several groups of 20 to 30 men and women. Older children served as messengers. After desperate appeals to anti-Nazi Polish groups, they accumulated enough weapons to successfully resist deportation by attacking from rooftops, cellars and attics, then scurrying to new locations through a network of alleys, tunnels, and attics. The Jewish resistance, combined with severe winter weather and a shortage of trains for deportation, prevented the SS from meeting Himmler’s February 15 deadline. On Monday, April 19, 1943 – the first day of Passover, 5703 – over 2,000 SS soldiers under SS General Jurgen Stroop attacked with tanks, artillery, and flame throwers. A fierce battle erupted between the heavily armed Germans and about 1,200 Jews armed with smuggled-in pistols, rifles, a few machine guns, grenades, and Molotov cocktails. The first attack was repulsed, leaving 12 Germans dead. The Germans renewed the attack, but found it difficult to kill or capture the Jews, who would fight, then retreat through a maze of cellars, sewers, and secret passageways to escape capture. On the fifth day of the battle, an infuriated Himmler ordered the SS to destroy the Ghetto “with the greatest severity and relentless tenacity.” General Stroop decided to burn down the Ghetto, block by block. The burning and renewed German attacks continued, but the Jews in Warsaw resisted for 28 days. On May 16, 1943, amid the relentless German assault, the Jewish resistance finally ended. General Stroop sent a battle report to Himmler, stating: “The former Jewish quarter in Warsaw is no longer in existence.

The action was terminated by blowing up the Warsaw Synagogue. The total number of Jews dealt with: 56,065.” Polish sources estimated that 300 Germans were killed and 1,000 Germans were wounded by the Jews. Although the Warsaw Uprising was not ultimately successful, it was the first time that organized resistance was carried out against the Nazis. This encouraged others and was followed by Jewish resistance in other parts of Nazi-occupied territories. Louis Port * Compiled from articles on the websites of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Yad Vashem, and Aish.

FREE Birthright Israel Trip for Young Adults!

The Jewish Federations of Palm Beach and South Palm Beach Counties are partnering to offer a FREE Birthright trip to Israel from June 23-July 4 for 22- to 26-year-old young professionals who have roots in Palm Beach County and have not been on an organized trip to Israel since the age of 18. The trip will include visits to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Tzfat, the Golan Heights, Masada, and the Dead Sea, as well as participation in a community service project in Northern Israel. Interested individuals may register at www.amazingisrael.com, or for more information call (561) 615-4950 e-mail: joseph.abrin@jewishpalmbeach.org or visit www.jewishpalmbeach.org/birthright.

Join the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs

South Florida Sub Region at

Jewish Heritage Day at the

Miami Marlins Stadium

Sunday, June 1, 2014 Game Time: 1:00 pm

Enjoy the game, nosh on delicious kosher food, and help support the Men’s Club

while watching the Marlins beat the Braves.

Limited edition Marlins yarmulkes will be given out as part of your admission

ticket.

$25/Ticket (Seats located in lower rows, again this year)

$15/Round Trip Bus Transportation (optional)

Please complete the form below and submit with payment (check payable to Temple Torah

Men’s Club; indicate on envelope: Men’s Club Ball Game), no later than Sunday, May 18 to

the Temple Office at 8600 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33472

Questions: Gary Dalin, Men’s Club President 561-637-1611

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

_____ Number of Tickets: $25.00 per ticket $_________

_____ Number of Seats on the Bus: $15 per person $_________

Total $_________ (Total Enclosed)

Name of Person Completing the Form_____________________________

Address:

City/State/Zip: Phone Number:

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Men’s Club

I was sitting at the Bi-Annual Convention of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs at the Concord Hotel in the Catskills during the late ‘80s when one of the keynote speakers happened to come over to talk to me. He was asking about how we celebrate Shabbat (Friday night) in my home. I told him that the TV would be on in the kitchen when we were in the dining room, we would light Shabbos candles, and say the blessings over the wine and the challah. He asked me if we sang any songs or if I blessed my three children or said a prayer for my wife on Friday night. I told him that we didn’t do those things. He and I discussed making Friday night dinner at home special with no TV on, singing Shalom Aleichem, and making this a time when dinner is not rushed. Later on during the convention, I realized with whom I was talking when I attended a workshop titled “The Art of Jewish Living.” Dr. Ron Wolfson had just completed a series of books for the FJMC and the University of Judaism. The books all centered on celebrating Jewish holidays at home in a way that was enjoyable, inspirational, and inclusive. I purchased The “Art of Jewish Living” series of books: Shabbat, The Passover Seder-Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration, and Hanukkah, and our home was forever changed. It is due to these books teaching my family the art of celebrating Judaism in the home that I convinced Temple Torah's Men’s Club to present to each Bar and Bat Mitzvah a copy of Dr. Wolfson’s book, Shabbat-The Family Guide to Preparing for and Celebrating the Sabbath, as well as the benchers (mini prayer books) that go along with the book. This is why my wife and I are very excited to have Dr. Wolfson speak at our Temple during the weekend of April 4-6. On Sunday, April 6, Dr. Wolfson will discuss how to make your Passover Seder more interactive, child-friendly, enjoyable, and inspirational. His talk will be based upon his “Art of Jewish Living” series book on the Passover Seder. I hope everyone will get a chance to hear him at some time during the weekend, but particularly on Sunday morning.

The FJMC Shoah Yellow Candle™

The Yellow Candle™ was created in 1981 by FJMC clubs in Canada, New England, and elsewhere to keep alive the memory of the Six Million who perished in the Shoah. The Candle is modeled after a traditional Jewish memorial Yahrzeit candle that burns for 24 hours during periods of mourning and on the Yahrzeit – anniversary of the death – of a family member. The candle’s yellow wax serves to remind us of the yellow armband which Jews were forced to wear during the Nazi regime. A photo on the candle container shows young people visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. This reflects the importance of teaching our youth the lessons of the Holocaust and of remembering the Six Million.

In addition, the program logo is a yellow Magen David (Star of David) outlined with barbed wire, with the word “Jude” in the middle. This preserves the memory of the armband or cloth patch that Jews were forced to wear in the ghettos of Eastern Europe.

How Does the Yellow Candle™ Program Work?

All Temple Torah members will be receiving a yellow candle in the mail during April. We ask that you light the candle on the eve of Yom Hashoah (April 27) and say the prayer that will be enclosed with your candle. Temple Torah’s Men’s Club requests a small donation that will be utilized within Temple Torah to remember the Shoah. As the Yellow Candle program theme says, “Light a Candle, Preserve a Memory.”

If anyone would like a candle sent to a special person who is not a Temple member, please contact Abe Banke, 736-5494, by April 6, with the person’s name and full address, and we will include them in our mailing.

Let us never forget. Zachor!

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FUNdraising

And the FUN continues! All you cruise enthusiasts, check this out: You can still join almost 70 of your friends who’ve already jumped on board

next January’s Caribbean cruise. Thanks to Celebrity extending its deadline to receive the on-board ship credit, those of you who may have procrastinated can still reap the benefit of $200! Questions? Pick up a flyer in the lobby or contact Sarah Sandler, our fabulous Cruise Chair, at 734-9251, or me. Please spread the word! The Purim Shalah Manot project was a huge success, thanks to the awesome and capable leadership of its two chairs, Carole A. Lefton and Paula Gervis, and their helpers. By now, those of you who participated should have gotten your Purim bag of goodies. Wasn’t it FUN to open? Wasn’t everything beautiful and delicious? Many thanks to Carole and Paula! Now then, won’t you join us in planning and executing some of the other FUN and profitable projects that could benefit Temple Torah? It’s easy to do: Contact me. Even better, try us out! Come to our next committee meeting, which is always on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and open to all. Malka S. Benoff FUNdraising Chair E-mail: artbymalka@gmail.com Phone: 733-7963

Sisterhood

By the time you read this, we will have had our first ever Vashti’s Banquet, which was bound to be a resounding success. Hopefully, everyone had a happy Purim, and thank you to all who

contributed so generously to our collection of personal care items for Israeli soldiers. All of these items were shipped to Israel at the end of March and will be greatly appreciated by the soldiers who receive them. We are happy to have welcomed some women from Temple Emeth at our last Sisterhood meeting, where we were all treated to a fun presentation on Yiddeshe Mommas by Marilyn Silberstein. Our membership rolls have increased in 2014, and we look forward to welcoming even more new members from Temple Emeth and from the Temple Torah and larger Jewish communities. Our Women’s League website, wlcj.org has a wealth of information for all of us, and is open to everyone. Please take advantage of the many resources offered through this site and find out about all of the wonderful things Women’s League is involved in all over the world. As always, we want to hear from you, and welcome your input. Please contact me with any questions, ideas, suggestions at 925-413-4263 or jgc1954@gmail.com Sisterhood wishes everyone a happy and healthy Pesah with family and friends. B’Shalom, Janet

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Why Send a SimhaGram?

Have you ever wondered where Sisterhood gets all the money for all the great work it does? Well, I’ll tell you – primarily from SimhaGrams! It is Sisterhood’s largest fundraising activity.

The 10 most important reasons you should send SimhaGrams are because, through Sisterhood, you help to…

10. Grant scholarship assistance to enable congregants’ children to attend USY conventions and/or Camp Ramah. 9. Subsidize tuition to the Esther and Simon Adler Religious School, participation in March of the Living, and

activities for Kadima. 8. Donate funds to the Wiston Family Torah Tots Early Childhood Learning Center. 7. Fulfill Sisterhood’s annual pledge of more than $12,000 to Temple Torah. 6. Partner with the Men’s Club to pay the rental for the “Do Everything” copying machine in the office. 5. Provide Bar/Bat Mitzvah gifts for the children of Temple Torah. 4. Donate to JNF for trees or water conservation for those congregants observing shiva. 3. Give an annual gift to the synagogue during Sisterhood Shabbat. Past gifts have included landscaping

improvements, kitchen equipment, and the two new benches at the south entrance to the building. 2. Achieve Sisterhood’s success in its fundraising on behalf of the Temple.

And, the most important reason you should send SimhaGrams… 1. You contribute to the happiness of your friends and to your own fulfillment.

Every month, you receive a “pink sheet” in the Sisterhood mailing. Look it over and circle the names of the people you want to congratulate. For only 50 cents a name, you can wish your shul friends a mazal tov on their special day or for any other reason. Simply fill out the form, enclose your check, and mail it to the Temple office or drop it into the Sisterhood mailbox located outside the office, directly across from the Judaica Shop.

Aren’t you cheered up when you open your own SimhaGram? Then think how your friends will feel!

Sheila Avruch Sisterhood SimhaGram Co-Chair

28

Temple Torah Gratefully Acknowledges These Thoughtful Contributions

Siddur/Mahzor Fund

In Memory of

Lillian Rand Deborah & Alan Pransky & Evelyn Reiss Bernard Zaretski Shirley & Ira Jaffe

General Fund

In Memory of

Florence Cheron Margot & Abe Banke Myrna Goldberg Margot & Abe Banke Cynthia Hertz Lila Langer Ernest Kan Lee Brauer Ana Kan Jaye Feuerstein Sela Jenny & Leon Weinerman David George Rosenthal Harriet & Renee Rosenthal Judith Rosner Schultz Abe & Margot Banke Isidore Shefts Fran & Bob Eisenberg Judy Solomon Jacob Solomon Rabbi Saul Teplitz Reva & Elliott Fagin Terry Dickstein Miller Barbara & Hesh Weingard

Get Well Wishes to

Phyllis Federman Lee Brauer Honey Perlmutter Lee Brauer

General Fund (continued)

In Honor of

Ned Roberman’s Aliyah Ned Roberman Brenda Lee and Willard Bernstein’s 15th

Wedding Anniversary Linda & Sam Perlman “Joe” Deutch, father of Charles,

Elizabeth & Sheree, Grandfather of Elana & Brittany

Irene Ginsburg Bonnie Geltner’s Aliyah, In Honor of Her

Birthday Bonnie Geltner Herb Shore’s Birthday Sarah & Dick Sandler Phyllis Smith, for our Aliyah Sarah & Dick Sandler Rita Vogel’s Birthday Jaye Feuerstein Sela

Esther and Simon Adler Religious School

In Honor of

Esther Adler’s 90th Birthday Bernice & Al Firestone Glorine Schweitzer’s Recovery from Eye Surgery Glorine Schweitzer

Wiston Family Torah Tots Scholarship Fund

In Honor of

Fred Greenberg Roberta & Kenneth Cohen

Camp Ramah Scholarship

In Memory of

Myrna Goldberg Lillian Fingerhut

Camp Ramah Scholarship (continued)

In Memory of

Ernest Kan Bea & Sy Beder Isidore Shefts Bea & Sy Beder

In Honor of

Jan Courte, for Leading Minyan for Lauren’s Husband, Richard Post

Lauren Grossman

Herb Magness’ 85th Birthday Phyllis & Charles Kirschbaum

Murray & Rosalyn Kamen Israel Youth Scholarship

In Memory of Ernest Kan Rosalyn Kamen & Family Rabbi Saul Teplitz Esther & Marty Aronoff

March of Living

In Honor of

Joseph Mason’s 90th Birthday Ethel & Seymour Goldstein

Pearl Benson Fund for Special Needs

In Honor of

Joseph Mason’s 90th Birthday Phyllis & Charles Kirschbaum

TOV Team

Get Well Wishes to

Lolita Baker Esther & Marty Aronoff

29

Temple Torah Gratefully Acknowledges These Thoughtful Contributions

TOV Team (continued)

Get Well Wishes to (continued)

Lori Charnow’s Sister Helen & Herb Gold

In Honor of

Morty Sudler’s Special Birthday Harriet and Richard Schultz

JNF Tree Planting

Planting a tree in Israel is the perfect way to show you care. You can plant a tree for many

different reasons and help “green” the Land of

Israel while sending a special gift to a friend or loved one. Over the past 100 years, Jewish National Fund has planted over 250 million trees in Israel! For each order, a beautiful certificate is mailed to the recipient with your own personal message. Plant trees for all occasions, in honor of or in memory of someone. The cost is only $15. Order forms are located outside the Temple office and Sanctuary and on our website. Completed forms with payment (checks made out to Temple Torah Sisterhood) may be placed in the Sisterhood mailbox, located outside the Temple office, or by contacting Joan Feuerstein at 561-737-2365.

Reading Temple Torah weekly e-mail announcements will keep you current and

informed! If you are not receiving these informative e-mails, contact Leah at the

Temple office, 561-369-1112, or reception@ttwbb.org.

Celebrating a special birthday or anniversary,

Bar/Bat Mitzvah or other milestone occasion?

Looking for a gift that is timeless

and has true meaning?

Struggling with what to give the person

who has everything?

Consider dedicating a brick

on the walkway in front of Temple Torah!

4x8 $150

8x8 $250

For further information please contact:

Carole Zipkowitz 742-0792

30

Temple Torah Gratefully Acknowledges These Yahrzeit Contributions May the One who comforts Israel, grant you solace in your bereavement.

In Memory of By Margot Adler Esther Adler Abraham Alexander Mary Alexander Meyer Berman Abe Berman H. André Blau Ellana A. Blau Harry Chertoff Seymour "Sy"

Chertoff Bertha Feldsott Doris Feldsott Hortense Fishkin Lucille Spector Marie Furman Seymour Beder Ray Gelber Bea Beder Rabbi David Golovensky Mimi Marder Louis Goodman Jack Goodman Yetta Greenman Laura Penn Judith Harvell Michael Gerchick Dora Herman Leo Herman Selma Herskovitz Esther Herskovitz William Horace Aileen Siegel

In Memory of By Ida Jochim Esther Aronoff Jacob Jur Henry Jur Harry Kahn Marcia Merlin David Kaplan Rosalind Kaplan Milton Kaplan Rosalind Kaplan David Keiles Joan Kessler Pauline Klein Sarah Klein Elaine Kotin Jack Schlessel Jacob Kronenfeld Anna Levin Gertrude Lehrhaupt Charles Lehrhaupt Rachael Levy Diane Rosen Adele Linderman Helen Tarlow Barney Linderman Helen Tarlow Charles Merlin Paul Merlin Siegfried Meyer Larry Meyer Lillian Millner Rita Swirsky Hannah Nagin Joan Kessler Sam Nagin Joan Kessler

In Memory of By Lipman Renbaum Marcia Skopp Anita Resnick Sandra Green Fannie Gross Rost Vera Kaplan Gladys Saruya Rosalind Kaplan Helen Schwart Rita Swirsky David Sheinkopf Ina Koota Victoria Shemtob Esther Herskovitz Mae Silk Murray Silk Julia Spindell Ned Roberman Sarah Stone Sara Stone Larry Swirsky Rita Swirsky Chester Trueheart Hilda Trueheart Arline Janice Ulman Pam Schlussel Rabbi Jerome Weistrop Martin Weistrop Minnie Weprin Evelyn Grumet Irene Zdatny Roberta Zdatny

Monthly Bereavement Group at Temple Torah

Jointly offered by Temple Torah and

Vitas Innovative Hospice Care

First Thursday of every month

12:30 pm Next date: April 3, 2014

Please consider memorializing your loved ones with a Plaque in our Sanctuary. On the appropriate days, a light will indicate the period of mourning. You may wish to

reserve Plaques for your family and yourself.

Cost per Plaque: $350 for Members For information,

please contact Elliott Fagin at 369-1112.

31

Birthday Sponsors

Frieda Behar Dorothy Buch Paula Gervis

Judith R. Berger-Kublin Hilda Trueheart

Anniversary Sponsors

Phyllis and Gary Smith

To My Temple Family: Thank you for your cards and

donations in memory of my beloved brother, Isidore Shefts.

It is greatly appreciated.

Sam Shefts

To Elliott Fagin, Haina Meyer, Phyllis Smith:

Thank you for your assistance at Shabbat services at my 90th birthday

celebration. It was greatly appreciated.

Joseph Mason

We want to thank Rabbi Bernstein,

Cantor Mondrow, Elliott Fagin, and our friends here at Temple Torah for your phone calls, visits, cards and donations, and most of all, being there for us during our recent loss of our daughter and sister,

Mollie Rose Young. We appreciate the support we’ve been given during this most difficult time.

George & Hershey Young and Iris & Howie Zimmerman & Family

To My Temple Family: Thank you for the cards and donations

in memory of my stepmother, Judith Rosner Schultz. It is much appreciated.

Alyssa Rudinsky and Family

In Our Thoughts

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO:

William Goldberg, on the loss of his beloved wife, Myrna Goldberg Howard Tepliz, on the loss of his beloved father, Rabbi Saul Teplitz Temple Torah, on the loss of its beloved member, Florence Cheron

32

Open Your Heart to Torah

The Congregation’s Torah still has dedication opportunities available. We invite you to fulfill the mitzvah of “writing a Torah in your lifetime” by dedicating a portion to honor loved ones and special occasions. For more information on making a dedication, contact Elliott Fagin, Ritual Director, at 561-369-1112.

Recent Dedication

A Verse in

Parshat Tzav (Leviticus 8:4)

In Honor of Leonard Camhi’s

80th Birthday Their many years of faithful and dedicated service to

our Temple and for their inspired leadership

March 9, 2014 7 Adar II 5774

by

Selma & Leonard Baruchin

Tree of Life

In Loving Memory of Sidney Kahn

Devoted Husband, Father and Zaide

September 2013

The Maftir Aliyah

in Parshat T’Tzaveh (Exodus 30:8-10)

In Memory of Ernest Kan

February 4, 2014

4 Adar I 5744

by

Isabell Adler, Sheila and Philip Avruch Margot and Abraham Banke, Janet Chaikin

Lori and Jeffry Charnow Elayne and Burdge Diamond, Reva and Elliott Fagin

Bonnie and Barry Geltner, Sylvia Goodman Cynthia Gordon, Harriet and Karl Harris Audrey Holtzman, Shirley and Ira Jaffe

Charlotte and Nat Katz, Carla and Harold Schafer Jeanette and Endre Schneider

Gloria and Sidney Shanken, Esther and Albert Shaw Phyllis and Gary Smith, Zeta and Morty Sudler

Jenny and Leon Weinerman Arlene and Martin Weistrop, Men’s Club, Sisterhood

Thanks to all of our members for your support of the 2013 Jewel Campaign. We are adding many more congregants each year, and hope that those of you who are thinking about contributing will do so in the future. Your commitment of $180, $270, or $360 will help to continue our many successful programs and maintain the high standards which will allow Temple Torah to function and grow in the future. Forms can be obtained at the Temple and on our website. For further information, please call:

Carole Zipkowitz at 742-0792.

Did you know you can pay for temple events and even pay your bill on our

temple torah website?

Simply visit www.ttwbb.org and choose the online payment tab on the

top of the home page!

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Temple Torah of West Boynton Beach 8600 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33472 561-369-1112 (phone), 561-369-0930 (fax)

www.ttwbb.org

Edward C. Bernstein, Rabbi ebernstein@ttwbb.org

Zachary M. Mondrow, Cantor cantorz@ttwbb.org

Elliott Fagin, Ritual Director

ritual@ttwbb.org Estee Gold-Kaplan, Education Director

educationdirector@ttwbb.org Danna Cohen, JACATT Coordinator

myjacatt@gmail.com Sheri Ebert, Interim Early Childhood Director

eclcasst@ttwbb.org Blake Cohen and Sharona Alkoubey Klein,

Co-Youth Directors youthtempletorah2@gmail.com

Geoffrey Botnick, Rabbi Emeritus

Temple Officers 2014 President: Lori Charnow

president@ttwbb.org Executive Vice President: Carole Zipkowitz

1st Vice President: Phillip Avruch 2nd Vice President: Natalie Stolbach 3rd Vice President: Charlie Deutch

4th Vice President: Jan Courte Treasurer: Gregg Wiston

Financial Secretary: Stuart Boxerman Recording Secretary: Wilma Turk

Temple Board of Directors 2014

Temple Auxiliaries Sisterhood President: Janet Chaikin

jgc1954@gmail.com Men’s Club President: Gary Dalin

hosprx50@aol.com Wiston Family Torah Tots PTO President:

Erin Feldman Immediate Past President: Alan M. Aronson Council of Past Presidents: Cheri F. Deutch

Shofar Staff Editor:

Irv Jacobs irvj@verizon.net Managing Editor:

Ivy Ramallo secretary@ttwbb.org

Associates: Diane Partnoy Rosen

Harold Zipkowitz

Postal Identification Statement Title .............................. The Shofar

Date ................................... April Frequency ....................... Monthly

(except June and July) Organization .............. Temple Torah

The Shofar assumes no responsibility for the workmanship or services rendered by the

advertisers in this publication, or for the content or any misinformation appearing in their solicitations.

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